Harvesting machine with coupling mechanism to a tractor



A ril 15, 1952 J. M. MARTIN 2,

HARVESTING MACHINE WITH COUPLING MECHANISM TO A TRACTOR Filed April 18, 1947 12 SheetsSheet 1 INVENTOR vJAMES N. MART/ll ATTORNEYS A ril 15, 1952 J. M. MARTIN 2,592,923

HARVESTING MACHINE WITH COUPLING MECHANISM TO A TRACTOR Filed April 18, 1947 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 3| INVENTOR i muss 4!. menu ATTORNEYS April 15, 1952 J. M. MARTIN 2,592,928

HARVESTING MACHINE WITH COUPLING MECHANISM TO A TRACTOR Filed April 18, 1947 12 Sheets-Sheet 3 on Q3 2 .0 Q P a? N 6) 5 K o D O N? o3 P- n O 0) 0 00 Q $0 O 0 Q V o o 2 u :3 O m E N 1 n 2 we a O 3 NM (Q N p o v I n N F 0 v b [E 9 n 00 N N 8 H Q 3 3' 3- Q as, P

INVENTOR JAMES M. MARTIN ATTORNEYS April 5, 1952 v J. M. MARTIN 2,592,928

HARVESTING MACHINE WITH COUPLING MECHANISM TO A TRACTOR Filed April 18, 1947 l2 Sheets-Sheet 4 l-Ll o m g \o b 'Q 03 N 53 Q Qq I l\ N 10 8,0 ,m

w a? o r-g 1 I Q N- N g :2 N 8 o 0 N 3 m y a 2 3 5 H 0 $20 m 2 g I;

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\9 b8 2 v N 0 P 1x23 0 6) 1 o 0 P 9 \o (n i r I 1M 0 I o D 0 4M INVENTOR wuss MAMRT/N ATTORNEYS A ril 15, 1952 J.,M. MARTIN 2,592,928

HARVESTING MACHINE WITH COUPLING MECHANISM TO A TRACTOR Filed April 18,1947 12 sheets-sheets FIE-LE- INVENTOR g 6) JAIIES H. MART/IV.

ATTORQEYS April 15, 1952 J. M. MARTIN 2,592,928

HARVESTING MACHINE WITH COUPLI ING MECHANISM TO A TRACTOR Filed April 18, 1947 12 Sheets-Sheet 6 I l 3 2i INVENTOR JAMES ll. HART/II ATTORNEYS A ril 15, 1952 HARVESTING MACHINPE WITH COUPLING MECHANISM TO A TRACTOR Filed April 18, 1947 J- M- MARTIN TII3 !EI 12 Sheets-Sheet '7 VENTOR JAMES M. MART/II ATTORNEYS J. M. MARTIN A ril 15, 1952 HARVESTING MACHINE WITH COUPLING MECHANISM TO A TRACTOR l2 Sheets-Sheet 8' Filed April 18, 1947 FI -L. 1[II ATTORNEYS April 15, 1952 J MARTlN 2,592,928

HARVESTING MACHINE WITH COUPLING MECHANISM TO A TRACTOR Filed April 18, 1947 12 Sheets-Sheet 9 32a 294 2.93 as 292 285 328 D 23 30 277 76a. so 4 305 323 02 8 a 324 24,3 1 Z6? 74 My 2M 30s AME- 352 NVENTOR JAMES ll. HART/N ATTORNELS W A ril 15, 1952 J. M. MARTIN 2,592,928

HARVESTING MACHINE WITH COUPLING MECHANISM TO A TRACTOR Filed April 18, 1947 12 Sheets-Sheet 1O INVENTOR JAMES M. HART/IV BY aw ATTORNEYS J. M. MARTIN A ril 15, 1952 HARVESTING MACHINE WITH COUPLING MECHANISM TO A TRACTOR Filed April 18, 1947 12 Sheets-Sheet 11 INVENTOR JAMES AI. HART/N ATTORNEYS J. M. MARTIN A ril 15, 1952 HARVESTING MACHINE WITH COUPLING MECHANISM TO A TRACTOR iled April 18, 1947 12 Sheets-Sheet l2 INVENTOR ans 4:. mnrnv ATTORNEYS section. Fig. 5 is an enlarged rear view of the crusher Patented Apr. 15, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HARVESTIN MACHINE WITH COUPLING MECHANISM T ATRACTOR James M. Martin, Lansing, Mich., assignor to Food Machinery and Chemical Corporation, San Jose, Calif., a corporation of Delaware Application April 18, 1947, Serial No. 742,368

4 Claims. (01. 56-23) 7 The present invention relates to a harvesting machine for harvesting alfalfa hay, or the like.

One objectof the present invention is to provide means forattaching a harvesting machine to a tractor for propulsion thereby either in working position with the crusher and mower units disposed at substantially right angles to the direction of travel of the tractor or in transporting position with the crusher and mower units angularly disposed intrail-behind relation relative to the tractor to reduce the overall width of the machine during transportation thereof.

Other-and further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of the machine of the present invention and a portion of a tractor for propelling the same; the machine being. shown in working position.

. Fig. 2 is a plan view similar .to Fig. 1 illustrating the machine in transporting position.

-Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the machine shown in Fig. 1 looking in .the direction of arrows 3-3 thereof; a portion-of the tractor being shown in section. I

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the machine shown in Fig. 1 looking-in the direction of arrows 4-4 thereof; a portion of the tractor being shown in unit and a portion of the .frame of the machine taken in thedirection of arrows 55 in Fig. 1.

v Fig. 6 is 'an enlarged plan view of'the frame and the control mechanism of the machine.

7 Fig. 7 is an enlarged section of a portion of Fig. 6 taken along line 1'! thereof.

Fig. Sis an enlarged side elevation of a portion the direction of arrows 88 section through the power transmission of the machine taken along line IU I0 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 11 is a horizontal section of Fig. ill-taken .along line Il-II thereof; certain parts being broken away while others are shown in elevation. Fig. 12 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the ,mechanism for raising. and lowering the mower and crusher units and the controls therefor; the view being taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12 illustrating the position of the various partsupon manual raising of the mower unit.

9-9 thereof; certain portions Fig.14 is aview similar to Fig. 12'illustrating the position .of the parts of the control mechanism upon simultaneous raising of the mower and crusher units. Fig. 15. is a perspective .view of some of the control and actuating levers shown in Fig. .12; certain parts being, broken .away while others are shown in dotted lines.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged horizontal section of the control valve of the machine taken along line I6-l6 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged elevation of the rear-v end of the frame'ofthemachine and certain partsof the crusher unit; the view being taken along line ll-H in Fig. 1.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged section of a portion of Fig. .1 taken along line I8l8 thereof. 7

Fig. 19 is an enlarged section of a portion of Fig.1;taken alongline l9l9 thereof.

Fig. 20 is an enlarged side view of the trussbar 4 assembly of the machine taken along line 20.2.0 of Fig. 1; a portion of the frame of the machine and portions of the crusher unit are shown in connection therewith.

Fig. 21.is a view similar to Fig. 20; certain parts being shown in section.

The harvesting machine of the present invention in general (Fig. 1) comprises a frame A, a mower unit B, a crusher unit C, and anactuating and control mechanismzD. The mower unitB and the crusher unit C are connected to and supported by the frame Afor travel therewith'while the'frame'A, in turn, is connected to a tractor E. partially shown inFig. 1, for propulsion thereby.

' When the machine is in working position, as shown in Fig. 1, the mower unit B and the crusher unit C are disposed at right angles to the direc.-

tion of travel of the tractor E and both units are operated and propelled over the ground by the tractor so as to effect cutting of the alfalfa by the mower unit B. The cut alfalfa is picked up from the field by a pick up mechanism F of the crusher unit C and is introduced thereby between presser rolls G (Fig. 5) of the crusher unit which crack the stems of the alfalfa and subsequently discharge the treated alfalfa at the rear end of the machine back onto the ground for subsequent drying.

When the machine is to be transported from one location to another, the operation of the mower unit B and the crusher unit C (Fig. 2 is discontinued and both units are raised to inoperative position. The mower unit is thereupon swung out of the way into substantially vertical position and the entire machine, i. e., the frame A, the-mower unit B, and the crusher unit 0, is

3 swung into transporting position in which it is angularly disposed relative to the tractor E and is firmly secured in such position to the same so as to reduce the overall width of the machine during transportation thereof.

With the above general construction of the machine in mind, reference is first made to the frame structure A thereof which comprises a triangular main frame I (Fig. 1) an auxiliary frame 2, and a truss bar assembly 3. The frame l is formed by tubular side members 4 and 5 of rectangular configuration in cross section (Figs. 3 and 7 to 9, inclusive) welded at their front ends to a U channel 6 while the rear ends of the tubular members 4 and 5 are welded to a casting 1 provided with a vertically disposed bearing portion 8 within which the axle 9 of a supporting wheel I is rotatably mounted. The axle 9 is rotatably retained in the bearing 8 in any desired manner.

The front end of the side member 4 (Figs. v1, 6, 7, and 9) is pivotally secured'by means of a bolt H to a U channel I2 provided with side bars I3 and I4 welded to the ends thereof and in turn 'pivotally connected by means of bolts 15 and 16 to vertically disposed portions l1 and I8, respectively, of a U-shaped hitch bar I9'fixed by means of bolts 20 to a draw bar 2| secured to the rear end of the tractor E in any convenient manner.

The U channels 6 and I2 are disposed with their fiat web portions adjacent each other so as "to permit lateral pivotal movement of the frame structure I about pivot bolt H from the position shown in Fig. l to the position illustrated in Fig. 2. Welded to the U channel l2 (Figzlisanarcuate supportingbar 23 forsupporting the '.U channel 6 during pivotal movement oftheiframe, as above described.

Secured to the sidebar I4 is a U -.s'haped bracket 24 (Figs. 6 and '8) and pivotally mounted within the-same by means of a bolt 25 is alatch 2-6.1This latch is provided with a substantially semi-circularrecess 2! and an extension 28 adapted to abut against side bar 14, previouslyreferred to. Welded to the bottom of the frame member is a U-shaped bracket 30 (Figs. '6, 8, and v9 provided with-a tubular roller 32 rotatably mounted within the free ends of the bracket -30 bymeans of a "bolt 33. Extending through :an opening 34 in the latch 26 and an opening 35in theside bar [4 is a rod 31, the rear end of whichis-prcvided with a bearing blocki38 (Fig. 9) slidably'disposed within a guideway 39 formed by strapsMl'a-nd 4i welded tothe U channel l2. Disposed intermediate the side bar 14 and a'washer 43'adjacent the bearing block 38 and. surrounding the 'rod 31 is a coil spring '44. The outer end of the rod 31 is threade'd, as shown at 45, and screwed upon'the same is the interiorly threaded hub portion 46 of a crank h'andlell 'To lock the framestructure A of the'machi'ne and-the mower unit Band crusher unit'C carried thereby against lateral pivotal movement in working position with respect to the tractor :E,

the frame l is swung .aboutits pivot H until ther'oller 32 of the bracket :30 enters thesemiecircularr'ecess 21 cf the latch 25 and'thereuponthe crank handle 4'! is turned so as to screw therhub portion '46 thereof firmly against the .latch 26 and to forcethe latch inwardly about itsipivot 25 'until-th'e extension 28 abuts against the side bar l4 (-Fig. 6). With'the latch in this position the frame -A is firmly locked in its working position against lateral movement with respect to the tractor, as shown in Fig. 1, but is free to pivot up and down -relative to the same-aboutthe-pivots 4 l5 and 16, previously referred to. If it is desired to swing the frame A, mower unit B, and crusher G into transporting position, the crank 41 is turned in the direction opposite to that as heretofore described, whereby the latch 26 is released from looking engagement with the roller 32 and the frame l is free to swing from the position shown in Fig. l to the position illustrated in Fig. 2 when the tractor is driven slightly forward with the latch 26 in unlocked position. Thereuupon the crank 41 is turned to move the latch 26 back into locking position, i. e., until the extension 28 thereof abuts against the side bar I4.

of a pivot rod '81.

After the frame 1 has been unlocked and disposed in an angular position relative to the tractor, as shown in Fig. 2, a transport bar 5| having the end portions thereof bent to extend at right angles to the central portion thereof, has the bent end portions inserted into ears 52 and 53 on the U channels l2 and :8, respectively (Fig. :2), to secure the frame in this position.

If it is desired to dispose the mower unit B, crusher unit C, and the frame I into working position and to again lock the latter to the U channel l2, all that is necessary is to remove the transport bar 5| and to back up the tractor against the frame A until the roller 32 of the bracket 30 engages the cam surface 55 of .the latch 26 and forces the same outwardly effecting a simultaneous outward movement of the rod 31 against the tension of the coil spring 4 3 until the sleeve 32 enters the semi-circular recess '21 and the latch 26 snaps back into locking position under the action of the coil spring 34. To subsequently release the frame structure again for pivotal movement into transporting position the same procedure, as outlined in the above is repeated. When not in use, the transport bar is carried by ears '56 .and 51 on the front side of U channel I'2 (Figs. 2 and 6).

The auxiliary or crusher-unit supporting frame 2 (Figs. 1 .to 5, 17 and '18) comprises a horizontally disposed tubular frame member 60 fixed to a U-shaped bracket 6! pivotally mounted to lugs 52 secured .to the side member 5 of the triangular main frame I by means of a pivot rod :53. The other end of the'tubular frame memberfiifl is -pro vided with a casting 65 including a vertically .dis-

posed bearing portionififi within which rthe axle 51 '21) comprises parallel tubular :members .7! :and

T2, the rear ends of which are welded to plates 13 and T4 whichare firmly bolted :to the :vertical :projection "Ill of the casting 65 by meanszofbolts 15. The tubular members H and .12 extend forwardly of 1the.casting 65 in upwardly .inclined directionand the front ends of these tubular-memhere are welded to gusset plates 15 and 11 with-- in which-agrooved pulley 18 is rotatably mounted by means of :pivot shaft 19. Welded to :the front portion of the gusset plates 16 and T1 are downwardly inclined tubular members 8| and 82 disposed in parallel relation adjacenteach-other 'and welded at their front ends to a bracket '84 provided with a U shaped portion 85 pivotally mounted within a U-shaped bracket 86 by-means Thebracket BB is welded to the side memberi 5 of the main frame II in such a manner that the pivotrodsziil and63 aredisposed in' axial alignment with respect to each other to thereby permit pivotal movement of the supporting frame 2, truss bar assembly 3, and crusher unit C vertically relative to the frame I. The crusher unit C (Figs. 1, 2, 5, 1'1, and 18) is adjustably mounted on the auxiliary or crusher unit supporting frame 2 by means of arms 9I and 92 pivotally secured to spring housings 93 and 94, respectively, of the crusher unit structure. The arms9I and 92 are welded to, or form integral parts of, a tubular lift shaft 95 of rectangular configuration in cross section disposed parallel to and above the tubular frame member 60. The lift shaft 95 is providedwith cylindrical bearing portions 96, only one of which is shown in Fig. 18, which are rotatably disposed within bearings 91 of brackets 98 and99 fixed to the frame member 60 by means of a clamp portion I00. Each of the brackets 98 and 99 (Figs. 5 and 18-) comprises a downwardly extending bracket portion IOI to each of which a stabilizer bar I02 is pivotally secured at I03 while the other ends of each ofthe stabilizer bars I02 are pivotally secured .tothe end walls I04 and I05 of the crusher unit C by means of bolts I06 and I01, respectively.

Secured to the lift shaft 95 (Fig. 17) is an actuating lever II1 by means of a clamp II8 forming an integral part thereof. The actuating lever I I1 extends downwardly from the bar 95 and secured to the lower end of the lever H1 is a chain II9 to which an actuating cable I20 is connected.

From the above it will, therefore, be seen that when the actuating lever 'I I1, lift shaft 95, and arms '9I and 92 are in the position as shown in Fig. 17, the crusher unit C is disposed in its lowermost position; When the actuating cable I20 is pulled forward in the direction of arrow I2I (Fig. 17) the actuating lever I I1 is swung in the direction of arrow I22 (Fig. 17) and the lift shaft 95 is turned clockwise whereby the arms 9I and 92 fixed thereto are swung upwardly in the direction of arrow I23 (Fig. 17) and the crusher unit C is raised vertically without tilting and, therefore, without change in angular position of the pick-up fingers relative to the ground from its lowermost or operative position, as shown in Figs. 4 and 17, to elevated or inoperative position (Fig. 3) with the pick-up fingers disposed at a predetermined distance above the ground.

Attached to the top of the crusher unit 0 (Figs. 1, 5, 20, and 21) is a supporting bar I21 extending transversely of the crusher unit C. Attached to the supporting bar I21 (Figs. 20 and 21) is a suspension cable I28 which is trained around the pulley 18 of the truss bar assembly 3 and secured to a coil spring I 29 at I30 disposed above and parallel to the tubular member 82 of the truss bar assembly. The other end of the coil spring is attached to a sleeve I3I (Fig. 21) provided with anadjustment nut I32 threadedly secured to a rod I33 slidably disposed within a plate I34 welded to the bracket 84, previously referred to. A washer I35 and a nut I36 threadedly secured to the rod I33 and-bearing against the plate I34 maintain the rod I33 in adjusted position relative to the plate I34 and hold the spring I29 under the desired tension so as to suspend the crusher unit C and reduce the weight thereof acting on the arms 9I, 92. By turning the nut I36 the tension of the spring I29 may be adjusted as desired to take the load off arms 9|, 92 and lift shaft 95 to floatingly suspend the crusher unit on the trussbar assemblywith just enough load to keep the pick-up finger in contact with the cut alfalfa on the ground. The spring I29 (Fig. 21) is surrounded by a' cover I31 secured to the tubular member 82 of the truss assembly 3 by means of screws I38.

Disposed adjacent the frame structure I in front of the pick-up mechanism F of the crusher unit C (Figs. 1, 3, and 4) is the mower unitB, previously referred to. This mower unit is of well known construction and comprises a cutter bar assembly I40 including a plurality of guards I4I,.an outer guide shoe I42, an inner guide shoe I43, and a reciprocating'knife I44. The inner guide shoe I43, to which the inner end of the cutter bar I40 is fixed, is pivotally connected at I45iand I46 to a yoke I41, which in turn is pivotally mounted on a .dragbar I48, the otherkend of which is pivotally. secured to the transmission housing ofthe actuating andcontrol mechanism D. j

.Pivotally secured to an upstanding portion I55 oft-he yoke I41 is a link'I56, the other end of which is pivotally secured .to the lowerend of a controllever I51 in .turn pivotally mounted on the bracket I58 of the side member 5 by means of a pivot bolt I60. The control lever I51 and bracket I58 are provided with any appropriate means for maintaining the lever I51 in desired positions of adjustment whereby any desired pitch of the cutter bar I40 is obtained.

The inner guide shoe I43 includes an upstanding portion I6I towhich a control rod I62 is pivotally connected. The free end of the rod I62 is pivotally connected to a crank I63 (Fig. 6) of a crank shaft I64 rotatably mounted within bearings I65 and I66 fixed to longitudinally extending braces I61, I68 in turnsecured to transverse braces I69 and I10 of'the frame structure. I. The control rod I62 is adapted to raise or lower the cutter bar assembly I40 in.,a manner aswill be more specifically referred to later on.

'Secured to thetubular side member 4 of the frame structure I by. means of bolts I 15 (Figs. 6, l0, and 11) is a power transmission unit I16 which comprises a casing I11 provided with a removable cover I18- Rotatably mounted within the front wall I19 by means of a tapered roller bearing I8I and within a partition wall I82 of the casing I11 by means of a tapered roller bearing I83 is a transmission shaft I84.v The front end I85 of the transmission shaft I 84 projects from the casing I11 at the front end thereof and secured to the same by means of a universal joint I86 is a telescoping drive shaft I81 (Fig. 10), the other end of which is connected by a universal joint I88 (Figs.,1 and 6) to the power take off shaft I89 of a power take off unit.- I9I of the tractor E. v

Fixed to the rear end I92 (Figs. 10 and 11) of thetransmission shaft I84 is a bevel gear I93 which meshes with a bevel gear I94 fixed to a transverse shaft I96 rotatively mounted within tapered roller bearings I91 and I98 mounted within the upper rear portion I99 of the transmission casing I11. The end 20I of the transverse shaft I96 projects from the casing portion I99 and is connected by a universal joint 202 to a telescoping crusher unit drive shaft 203, which in turn is connected by means of a universal joint 204 (Fig. 1) to the drive shaft of the. crusher unit transmission, not'shown, disposed within the crusher transmission housing 206.

The crusher unit transmission shaft is operatively connected with the presser rolls G and the pick-up mechanism F in any convenient manner, such as, for instance, shown in PatentNo. 2,345..- to R. H. Reed for Agricultural Apparatus,-

.datedApril 4, 1944, so that uponv rotation of the shafts I96 and 2.93 the pick-up mechanism 1* and the presser rolls G of the crusher unit .0 are operated so that the fingers of the pickup meshanism F pick up the cut alfalfa and introduce the same between the presser rolls G whichcrack the stems of the alfalfaand subsequently dis,- charge the treated alfalfa back onto the ground at the rear end of the crusher unit C.

The construction of the pick-up mechanism F,

the presser rolls G, and the actuating and control mechanism associated therewith may be of any conventional design, such as, for instance, dis.- closed in Patent No. 2,345,175, abovereferred .to.

Mounted for free rotation upon the shaft 1.8.4 (Figs. .10 and 11) is a sprocket 208 provided with a serrated clutch face 209 engaged by acomple: mental serrated face 2| l of a clutch member 212 slidahly mounted on the shaft 184 and rotatively 'connectedtherewith by means of a key and slot arrangement 2 l 3. The .clutch member 2 l2 isheld with .its clutch :face 2H inengagement with the clutch face 299 ofthe sprocket 298 by means of a coil spring 2 encompassing the shaft 34 and disposed between the clutch member 212 and a collar .2l6 screwed on a threaded portion 2 of the shaft 184 and held in adjusted position by means of a cotter pin 2 l3. Axial movement of the sprocket 208 away from the clutch member 212 is prevented by a collar 2l9 of the shaft I84. bearing retaining collar 22! (Fig. 11) .is disposed between .a shoulder 222 of the threaded section of the shaft and the bearing l8l, previously referred to.

Rctatably mounted below and parallel to the shaft 184 on rollerbearings 223 within the casing [11 is a mower drive shaft 224. One end of this shaft is threaded, as shown at 226 (Fig. and extends into the compartment 221 of the casing. Screwed on the threaded end 226 of shaft 224 and firmly fixed thereto against removal is a sprocket 228 and trained around the same and the sprocket 298 is an endless sprocketchain 229. Thexother end of the shaft 224 projects from the casing 111 and .keyed to the same is a disk 23! provided witha crank pin 232. A pitman 233 (Figs. 1 and 6) pivotally connected to the crank pin 232 and the mower knife I effects reciprocation of the latter upon rotation of the shaft .224.

The tension of the coil spring 2! is so adjusted by turning the collar 2l5 after removal ofthe cotter pin .218 that the clutch faces 299 and 2l-i of the sprocket 298 and clutch member 2I2, re.- spectively, are normally held in driving engagement whereby upon rotation of shaft 184, shaft 224 is rotated to effect reciprocation of the knife I. However, in the event the knife I44 strikes an obstruction or 'jams due to a foreign object caught betweenthe guards 141 and knife I44, the clutch face .21! is'free to disengage from the clutch face 299 while the clutch member 2l2 is shifted against the tension of the coil spring 2M so that the drive of the shaft 224 is automatically interrupted whereby damage to the mower knife I65 and the drive mechanism thereof is prevented.

Mounted on the transverse brace [16 of the frame structure l adjacent the power trahSWssion unit 176 (Figs. 1, 6, and 16) is a control valve 2M which comprises a housing 242 having a cylindrical bore 223. Qneend of the housing 262 is close-.1 by a rear wall 2454 provided with a bore 2 5 while the front end of the housing is closed by a cap s idahlvdis esse i9 the-her o e h n 2 is p stq valve 48 P v ed with spaced annular grooves 249 and 25! in its periphery adapted to alternately register with the inlet ports 252 and 253,.respectively, of the housing 242. Connected to the housing 242 and communicating with both inlet ports 252 and 253 thereof is a suply conduit 254 in communicae tion with the discharge port of a pump 256 (Fig. 10) adiustablysecured to the power transmission casing ill by cap screws 256 extending through a horizontally elongated opening 256! of the flange 25$ of the pump. The pump 256, which may be of any desired construction, includes a drive shaft 251 which projects through .a bore 259 of the casing l'l'l into the compartment 22] and carries a sprocket 259 fixed thereto. The sprocket 259 engages the sprocket chain 229 so that upon operation of the sprocket298 and chain 229 the pump 256 is simultaneously driven there-, with. This sprocket 259 serves also .as a chain tightener since, by loosening cap screws 25.6% and shifting the pump laterally, the sprocket 2597is correspondingly shifted to therebytake up any slack of the chain 229. The inlet port of the pump 258 (Fig. 10) is connected by a conduit-260 with the lowermost portion or sump Ill of the casing Ill. i

The piston valve 248 (Fig. 16) is further pro: vided at its periphery with longitudinally ex-. tending grooves 26! and 262 which are in communication with the annular grooves 249 and 251, respectively. These grooves 26! and 262 are adapted to alternately register with a return conduit 263 (Figs. 6 and 16) connected .by a flexible conduit 264 toan inlet port 266 (Fig. 10) in. the upper portion of the casing ill, While a by-Dass valve 268 and conduits 26'! connect the return conduit 263 with the supply conduit 254.

The piston valve 248 is further. provided with longitudinal grooves 269 and 210 extending from the annular grooves 249 and 25l for establishing continuous communication thereof with ports 21] and 212, respectively, ofthe housing v2 12 from which flexible conduits 213 and 214, respectively, lead to a hydraulic actuating cylinder 21.6 (Figs. 12, 13, and 14) within which a piston 21*! provided with a piston rod 218 is slidablydis: posed. The conduit 213 is-in communication with the front end of cylinder 216 while the conduit 274 isin communication with therear. end. of the cylinder 2'19 whichis pivotally mounted; at 2-16 on a supporting. bracket 216. secured to frame member 4 (Figs. 6 and 13,). v The front endof the piston valve 248 (Fig. 16) is provided with a springretaining rod Ll-Bland surrounding the, same and interposed between the cap 247 and pistontvalve, 2.48 is a coil spring 282 which normally holds the piston valve in the position shown in Fig. 16. Connected to, the, rear end of the piston valve 248 is an actuating "rod 283 which projects through the bore 246 of the rear wall 244 of the housing 242 and the free d of. whi is ivotl n ect d a 2 iiso n actuatin le er 86 fu c ume a t- & to links 23,8; and 269 intll n. n v ta lv onnec ed to a oss .8%. f rmin n n e r ea tq the val e h inefl f h f e nd. 21 2 Qi' e. l e 2&6. s i qi v o e e a 2 w co t ol rqd 2.9.4 wh ch; ex e d o wa Q h ra l m bit st-'6 and s lma lv su p t i a bracket 296 fixedto the. U channel 6,

Pivotally connected to the free end of thepi stonrod 27 8 (Figs. 6 andlZ vto l i) is a lever 29:} fixed to a shaft .296 rotatably mounted in bearings- 2 99 and .301 secured to the frame member 5 and transverse brace l'lll.v Fixed to the-shaft 298 is further a crank lever 302 to which the cable I20, previously referred to, is connected.

Pivotally connected to the lever 28! (Figs. 12 to at 303 are actuating links 304 and 306, the other ends of which are pivotally connected at to a link 308, in turn pivotally connected at 309 to a lever 3II fixed to the crank shaft I64. The link 308 is bent so that the same contacts the crank shaft I64 when the parts are in the positions shown in Fig. 14, but swings free of the crank shaft. I64 when the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 13. Pivotally connected at 309 to link 306 and lever 3 is further a rod 3I2 to which one end of a coil spring 3I3 is secured. The other end end of the spring 3 I 3 is adjustably secured to a long bolt 3I4 mounted on a bracket 3I6 in turn fixed to a transverse brace 3II of the frame structure I.

Freely pivotally mounted on the crank shaft I84 is a manual control lever 3 I 8 (Figs. 6 and 12 to 15) for manually raising and lowering the mower unit. A pin 3I9 (Fig. 15) fixed to the free end of lever 3II establishes an operating connection between levers 3I8 and 3 so that upon forward movement of the control lever 3! in the direction of arrow 32I (Fig. 15) the control. lever 3l8 engages the pin SI!) and effects rotation of the lever 3H and crank shaft I64 in the direction of arrow 322 (Fig. 15). This operating connection between the control lever 3l8 and lever 3| I, however, permits rotation of the lever 3H and crank shaft I64 in the direction of arrow 322 (Fig. 15) independent of the control lever 3I0, as clearly shown in Fig. 14 and more fully explained later A quadrant 323 (Figs. 6, 12, and 15) provided with a notch 324 is fixed to the longitudinal brace I61 and the lever 3l8 is provided with a spring actuated locking rod 326 adapted to enage withthe notch' 324 when the lever 3l8 is in its foremost position (Fig. 13) and with the side 323 of the quadrant when lever 3l8 is in its rearmost position, so as to firmly lock the lever 3l8 in said position.

The casing I'I'I of the transmission unit I16 is filled with lubricating oil which also serves as hydraulic actuating fluid for the piston 211. The level-of the oil in the transmission casing is, therefore, maintained'suiriciently high to supply the necessary amount of actuating fluid and to provide sufficient lubricant for the transmission mechanism.

From the above it is apparent that upon operation of l the transmission shaft I84 (Fig. 10), sprocket 208, and sprocket chain 229, the sprocket 259 is simultaneously driven therewith effecting operation of the pump 256 whereby lubricant is withdrawn'from the casing I" through conduit 260 and'is forced through conduit 254 into the inlet ports 252 and 253 (Fig. 16) of the control valve housing 242'. It will, therefore, be seen that when the manual control lever 3 I8 is disposed in its rearmost position, as shown in Fig. 12, and the control rod 294 is shifted to its foremost position, as illustrated in Fig. 14, the piston valve 248 is shifted by the actuating lever 286 from its position in Fig. 12 to its rearmost position, as shown in Figs. 14 and 16. In this position the annular groove 25I establishes communication between the inlet port 253. port 212, and conduit 214 while the inlet port 252 is closed by the piston valve 248. At the same time the conduit 213 and port21I are brought in communication with the sages 269, 249, and 26h Consequently, the hy- 10 draulic fluid forced through the conduit 254. and passage 253 is admitted. through the conduit 214 into the cylinder 216 at the rear end thereof and forces the piston 21'! from its rearmost position 7 in the direction of arrow 328 (Fig. 12) to its foremost position illustrated in Fig. 14.

As the piston 21! is forced from its position shown in Fig. 12 to the position illustrated in Fig. 14 the hydraulic fluid in front of the piston 21'! is discharged from cylinder 216 through conduit 213, port 2', valve passages 269, 249, 26I, return conduits 263, 264, and inlet 266 back into the transmission casing 111. As soon as the piston 21! arrives at its foremost position, the hydraulic pressure in the conduit 214 and cylinder 216 under the continuous operation of the pump 256 increases and as soon as the pressure exceeds the pressure for which the by-pass valve 268 is set, the same opens and the fluid is'bypassed from conduit 254 over conduits 26'! and 264 back into'the transmission housing I".

The forwardmovement of the piston Z'II'in the direction of arrow 328 (Fig. 12) effects'a corresponding forward movement of pistonrod 218 and links 304 and 306, as well as a pivotal movement of lever 29?, and link 308 in the direction of arrows 329 and 33I, respectively, (Fig. 12) from their positions shown in Fig. 12 to their positions illustrated in Fig. 14.

The'pivotal movement of the lever 29'! effects a corresponding rotation of the shaft 298'and turning of the crank lever 302 from the position shown in Fig. 12 to the position illustrated in Fig. 14 whereby a forward pull on the cable I20 and chain I I 9 (Figs. 6 and 17 is exerted and the actuating leve'r II! is swung in the direction of arrow I22 (Fig.1?) from its position shownin Fig. 17 to its position illustrated in Fig. 3 whereby the liftshaftis turned in clockwise direction (Fig.'17)and arms SI and 92; are swung upwardl'y in the direction of arrow I23 (Fig. 17) and the crusher unit 0 and pick-up mechanism F thereof are raised from operative to inoperative' position (Fig. 3) in the manner as previously explained herein. I v

Upon actuation of the link 308, 'i. e., pivotal movement thereof in the direction of arrow 33I, as above'described, the curved center portion 332 thereof (Fig. 12) is brought into contact with the crank shaft I64 while the link 308 initially pivots about pivot 309 (Fig. 15) and thereupon while the center portion 332 of the link 308 bears against the crank shaft I64, which now serves as a fulcrum, thelink 308 pivotsabout said crank shaft I64 whereby, due to the pivotal connection between link 300 andlever 3| I, as shown at 3 09, and the rigid connection between lever 3H and crank shaft I64, the lever 3| I is rotated from its position shown in Figs-12 and 15 to its position shown in Fig. 14 effecting a corresponding rotationof crank shaft I 64. The rotation of the crank shaft I64 effects a corresponding turn-' ing of the crank I63 in the direction of arrow 333 from its position "shown in Fig. 12 to its position illustrated in Fig. 14 whereby the mower unit B is raised from its operative position (Fig. 4) to Y its inoperative position (Fig. 3) bymeans of rod I 6 2. V r

, When the control rod 284 is shifted from its foremost position illustrated in Fig. 14' to its actuating lever 286- and actuating rod 283'. When the piston valve 248" arrives at its foremost position, the inlet port 253 of the control valve housing 242 is closed and communication between the inlet port 252 and port 21I and flexible conduit 213 is established by means of the annular groove 249 so that the hydraulic actuating fluid isnow admitted into the front endof the cylinder 216 and forces piston 211 in the direction of arrow 334 (Fig; 14) from its foremost position, shown in Fig. 14, to its rearmost position, illustrated in Fig. 12. When the" piston valve 248 is disposed in its foremost position, the port 212 and flexible conduit 214- are connected to the return conduits 263 and 264 by means of the passages 210 and 232 so that during the actuation of the piston 211 from its position shown in Fig. 14 to its position illustrated in Fig. 12 the hydraulic actuating fluid is discharged from the rear end of the cylinder 216 into the transmission casing I11. If the operator does not release the control rod 294 when the piston 211 reaches its rearmost position (Fig. 12), the continued operation of pump 256 increases the pressure exerted by the actuating fluid causing opening of the by-pass valve 268 so that the liquid is by-passed over conduits 231, 264 back into the transmission casing I11.

Upon movement of the piston 211 in the direction of arrow 334 (Fig. 14), lever 291, shaft 298, and crank lever 302, as well as links 304, 306, 308, lever 3i I, shaft I64, and crank I63, are returned from their positions shown in Fig. 14 to their positions illustrated in Fig. 12 whereby the upward pull on the control rod I62 and the forward pull on the cable I20 is released and the. mower unit B and crusher unit C are lowered under their own weight to operative position in a manner as will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The extent of the pivotal movement of the crank 1-63 limits the downward movement of the mower unit B so that the same is disposed in proper operative position above the ground with the inner and outer guide shoe of the mower riding along the same. The extent of downward movement of the crusher unit is limited by the tension of the spring I29 (Fig. 21) which carries the weight of the crusher unit by means of cable I28. The tension of the spring I23 is so adjusted as to hold the crusher unit in such lowered position that the pick-up fingers of the pick-up mechanism F are held in proper pick-up position above the ground. 7

From the aboveit will, therefore, be apparent that by shifting the control rod 294 either forward or rearward, the mower unit B and crusher unit may be simultaneously raised or lowered to inoperative or operative position, respectively, by means of the hydraulic actuating mechanism hereinbefore described.

However, when the mower and crusher unit are disposed in their lowered or operative position, manual raising of the mower unit B independent of the crusher unit 0 may be effected by shifting the manual control lever 3I6 from its position shown in Fig. 12 to its position illustrated in Fig. 13 after the spring actuated locking rod 326 has been disengaged from locking engagement with the side 323 of the quadrant 323. When this manual control lever 318 is shifted in this manner, it engages the pin 3I9 of the lever 3 (Fig; and swings the lever 3I I from the position shown in Fig. 12 to the position illustrated in Fig. 13. This effects a corresponding rotation of the crank shaft I64 and crank I63 exerting an upward pull on the control rod I62 whereby the mower unit B is raised to inoperative position in the same manner as previously described. The tension spring 3I3, previously referred to, materially assists the manual raising of the mower unit. Upon movement of the control lever 3I8 to its forward position, the spring actuated locking rod 326 is released so that the lower end thereof engages the notch 324 of the quadrant 323 and the lever 3 I8 is firmly locked in itsforemost position.

This manual actuation of levers 318' and 3H does not in any way eifect the hydraulic actuating: mechanism since the link 303, pivotedv at 309 to lever 3H and at 301 to the links 304, and 303, is merely shifted in a backward and upward direction from its position in Fig. 12 to its position in Fig. 13 while the links 304 and 306 pivot relative to lever 291 about pivot 303 connecting the same therewith. No forward pull is, therefore, exerted on the lever 291, as will be apparent from Figs. 12 and 13. To again lower the mower unit B the manual control arm 3 I 8 is swung from the position shown in Fig. 13 to the position illustrated in Fig. 12 whereby the reversal of the above described operation takes place and. the mower unit B is lowered under its own weight to operative position.

Beside the upward movement of the mower unit B to inoperative position either by means of the hydraulic actuating mechanism or the manual control lever 3I8, the cutter bar assembly I43 may be manually swung from its horizontal position, as shown in Fig. 1, to vertical position, as illustrated in Fig. 2, about pivots I45 and I46. When disposed in vertical position, the cutter bar assembly is locked in position by means of a transport rod 336, pivotally connected at one end to tubular member 8I (Fig. 21) while the other free end of the rod is inserted through hole 331 (Fig. 1) of the cutter bar I40 and is attached to the bar by means of a crank nut 338 threadedly secured to the free end of the rod 335. When the cutter bar I40 is lowered to operative position the transport bar is carried on the member 8I by a clip 331.

From the foregoing it is, therefore, apparent that when the harvesting machine is in transporting position the frame A, mower unit B, and crusher unit C are held in angularly disposed trail-behind relation with respect to the tractor E, as previously described herein and as clearly illustratedin Fig. 2. The mower unit B and crusher unit C are held in raised or inoperative position and the mowing assembly I40 is vertically disposed as shown in Fig. 2 and secured to the frame in this position by means of the transport. rod 336. Consequently, with the units arranged'in transporting position the width of the machine is materially reduced so that the same may be conveniently transported from one location to another along roads, over bridges, and through gates.

When the machine arrives at the location where it is to be used, the transport or tie rod 336 is disconnected, the mower assembly I40 is manually swung to horizontal position, and thereupon the transport bar 5i is removed and the tractor is backed up until the frame A is firmly locked in operative position'against lateral articulation with respect to the tractor E, as shown in Fig. 1 in the manner as previously specifically described herein. This disposes the mower unit B, as well as the crusher unit 0, in working position, i. e., at right angles to the line of travel ofthe tractor E. The machine is .then maneuvered into posi tion in the field for cutting the first swath of alfalfa-and the power take off I!" of the tractor E isset in operation whereby the various units andthe pump 256 are driven by means of the power take off shaft I89. The. operator then shifts the control rod 294 to its rearmost position whereby the mower unit B and crusher: unit C are lowered to operative position. As the tractor is now driven along the field, the alfalfa iscut by the mowing unit B then picked up by the pickup mechanism F and introduced into the crusher unit C which crushes the stems of the alfalfa and subsequently discharges the treated alfalfa back onto the ground for subsequent drying.

When it is desired to turn the machine, the control rod 294 is shifted to its forward position whereby the mower unit B and crusher unit C are hydraulically raised to inoperative position in the manner as heretofore specifically described so that the machine may be turned without any danger of the mower knife or pick-up fingers striking an obstruction. If the operator desires only to raise the mowing unit B, this may be accomplished by actuating the manual control lever 3|8 in the manner as heretofore described, so that the machine may be used for picking up alfalfa which already has been previously cut.

In this way, the mower and crusher unit may be raised and lowered as the conditions require for maneuvering the machine into proper position for cutting and treating the alfalfa in successive swaths.

During the operation of the machine, the same is free to pivot in vertical direction about the pivots l5 and 16 relative to the tractor E so that the harvesting machine may closely follow any unevenness of the ground. Likewise, the auxiliary frame 2, the truss loar assembly 3, as Well as the crusher unit C carried thereby may freely pivot in vertical direction about the pivots 63 and 81 so that the crusher unit 0 and the pick-up mechanism F thereof may closely follow the contour of the ground. Due to suspension of the crusher unit C on the truss bar structure 3 in balanced position, most of the. load is taken off arms 9| and 32 and the lift shaft 95 so that the crusher unit is fioatingly supported with the pick-up fingers F in contact with the cut alfalfa on the field. This permits a considerably faster operation of the machine than has heretofore been possible without any likelihood of injury to the pick-up mechanism.

In view of the particular hitch mechanism between the harvesting machine and tractor, as specifically described in the above, any lateral pivotal movement of the harvesting machine relative to the tractor is prevented and this enables short turning of the tractor and harvesting machine at the corners of the field so that a cutting of the alfalfa at the corners of the field in swaths disposed at right angles to each other is greatly facilitated.

While I have shown and described a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the present invention and the manner in which the same is to be used,

transporting positions relative thereto, comprisa movable latch member secured to said tractor and a latch engaging means on said frame for locking said harvesting machine in working 2. Mechanism for attaching a harvesting unit having a crop engaging portion thereon to a tractor, comprising a frame coupled to said unit and to the tractor for vertical and lateral movement of the frame relative to the tractor, a movable spring-actuated latch member on the tractor and a latch engaging means on said frame for locking said frame to the tractor for preventing lateral movement therebetween when the crop engaging portion of the harvesting unit is disposed at substantially right angles to the line of travel of the tractor, movable means on the tractor for releasing said latch member to free the frame for lateral movement relative to the tractor thereby to move the harvesting unit into trailing transporting position with the crop engaging portion of the harvesting unit disposed at an obtuse angle to the longitudinal center line of the tractor to which the frame is coupled.

and means operatively associated with said tractor and harvesting unit for locking said frame .to retain the harvesting unit in said transporting position against lateral movement relative to the tractor when said latch member is disengaged.

3. Mechanism for connecting a harvesting unit having an outboard support wheel swiveled thereon to a tractor, said mechanism comprising a frame pivotally connected at one side thereof to the tractor, latch means mounted at the other side of said frame from its pivotal connection to the tractor to releasably secure said frame against pivotal movement about said pivotal connection relative to the tractor, means for connecting the harvesting unit to said frame to extend laterally therefrom, a support truss extending over the harvesting unit and connected to said frame, said truss being connected at one end to said frame and connected at its other end to the harvesting unit adjacent its outboard support wheel, and biased counter-balancing support means carried by said truss and connected to a portion of. the harvesting unit to transmit what I claim as new and desire to protect by f Letters Patent is:

l. A coupling mechanism for connecting a harweight thereof through said truss to the outboard support wheel and through said frame to the tractor.

4. Mechanism for connecting a harvesting unit having an outboard support wheel swiveled thereon to a tractor, comprising an elongated frame, hinge means mounted along one side of said frame for hinged connection to the harvesting unit for relative up and down movement, hinge means mounted along the forward end of said frame for connection to the tractor for relative up and down movement, means forming a pivotal connection on the opposite side of said frame from said first hinge means, releasable latch means on the same side of said frame as said first hinge means, controlled latch release means on the tractor for freeing said latch means thereby to free said frame and the harvesting unit UNITED STATES PATENTS hinged-1y connected thereto for lateral swinging Number Name Date movement relative to the tractor about said piv- 1'972 680 'a t 1934 otaltconnection, a. truss having one end thereof 1'992429 Hyman 9 connected to the harvesting unit adjacent its 5 20042l3 Paul June 11. 1935 outboard support wheel, theother end of said 2'114'580 Thoml'lson Ann 3;; truss being connected to said frame-and'counter- 1 Blair 4 balancing support means carried by said truss 2,311,859 Gamer 23. 1943 and. depending from an intermediate portion 2,331,863 schmeppel Oct 12' 1943 thereof for connection to the harvesting unit to 10 2,345,715 Reed Apr. 4 1944 support the weight thereof. 7 2,347,907 Hm May 1944 JAMES M MARTIN 2,410,918 Acton Nov. 12, 1946 REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the 15 file of this patent: 

